Non-Fiction

History, biography, travel, science--lots of “factual” books attract readers. A well-written book can make even an esoteric topic interesting and accessible to us, the “educated layman”. Who would have guessed that a book on the invention of chronometers for determining latitude could be a bestseller and critical success? John McPhee alone has shown that a graceful essayist can interest readers in canoes, oranges, tiny Hebridean islands, prep school headmasters, the Swiss army, and the geology of most of the western United States.

You don't need to be a obsessed buff or post-doc to enjoy most of the books listed in these links. We have to admit, however, that obsessed buffs--like the fanatics of popular fiction genres--seem more likely to post lists on the web. So be sure to also try other sections of this site, like Books to read before you die, for books of wide general interest.

Readers Catalog; an annotated list of over 40,000 of the best books in print. Z 1035 R263  

Readers Adviser; an annotated guide to the best in print Z 1035 B7 

Public Library Catalo g (annotated list of titles likely to be in a PL)   Z 1035. W77 

100 best business books of all time     HF100 8Z .C85 2009

100 Best Nonfiction Books of the Century - Modern Library 

    Academic Books